Saturday, March 21, 2009

In dramatic fashion, the Lincoln Stars scored two third period goals to come from behind to beat the visiting Green Bay Gamblers, 3-2. The win was the third in a row for the Stars, and the Lincoln victory snapped the Gamblers three game winning streak. Scoring goals for the Stars was Eric Meland, Ryan Krezter (PP), and Garrett Peterson (GW). Down 2-1 entering the third period, Ryan Kretzer tied the game at 2-2 with his tenth powerplay goal of the season, and then forward Garrett Peterson scored his seventh goal of the season with just 1:22 left in the third period to win the game.

What more can you say about this game? Just how I predicted it...low scoring, very physical, with great goaltending. This game played out very much like a playoff game would look like if these two teams met in the Clark Cup Finals. I have a lot of respect for the job Jon Cooper has done with his squad. They forecheck better than any team I've seen this season, and their team speed is incredible. Considering how bad the Gamblers were last season before Cooper became head coach, he has done a great job turning the franchise around and has his kids playing great hockey.

Despite having not having a lot of luck recently with scoring goals in the third period, it was really nice to see the Stars come out and dominate a home third period to win a game. Too often as of late we've seen the Stars start out strong at home, only to fade away in the second and third periods. The players kept battling and battling tonight, and never gave up. It was a treat to watch as a fan. One of the best games I've seen at the Ice Box in a long time, in terms of competitive hockey. Both teams played at such a high level, but the Stars showed that they really wanted it in the third period.

The Stars will attempt to extend their current three game winning streak Saturday night at the Ice Box as the Fargo Farce Force invade the capital city. The Force are winners of eight of their last ten games, and are peaking at the right time of the regular season. It should be another playoff type of atmosphere at the Ice Box Saturday night. I hope to post a pregame report sometime today. Stay tuned.

Your thoughts on the game? Are the Gamblers for real? How important was this win?